What Is The Horror Writers Association?

THE HORROR WRITERS ASSOCIATION (HWA) is a nonprofit organization of writers and publishing professionals around the world, dedicated to promoting dark literature and the interests of those who write it. HWA was formed in the late 1980’s with the help of many of the field’s greats, including Dean Koontz, Robert McCammon, and Joe Lansdale. Today——with over 1250 members in countries such as Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Germany, Honduras, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Russia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad, United Kingdom and the United States——it is the oldest and most respected professional organization for the much-loved writers who have brought you the most enjoyable sleepless nights of your life.

One of HWA’s missions is to encourage public interest in and foster an appreciation of good Horror and Dark Fantasy literature. To that end, we offer the public areas of this web site, we sponsor or take part in occasional public readings and lectures, we publish a blog and produce other materials for booksellers and librarians, we facilitate readings and signings by horror writers, and we maintain an official presence at the major fan-based horror and fantasy conventions, such as the World Fantasy Convention and the World Horror Convention.

Also to that end, we sponsor the annual Bram Stoker Awards&#174 for superior achievement in horror literature. Named in honor of the author of the seminal horror novel Dracula, the Bram Stoker Awards&#174 are presented for superior writing in eleven categories including traditional fiction of various lengths, poetry, screenwriting, graphic novels, young adult, and non-fiction. In addition, HWA presents an annual Lifetime Achievement Award to a living person who has made significant contributions to the writing of Horror and Dark Fantasy over the course of a lifetime.

Who Can Join HWA?

HWA’s Active (voting) members are all published professional writers of horror. But you needn’t be an established professional writer to join HWA. Your demonstrated intention to become a professional writer is all that’s required to join HWA at the Affiliate level, because we know the first professional-level sale is often the hardest. To demonstrate your intention, all you need is one minimally paid publication in any of several categories. (This might be something as unassuming as a 500-word story for which you’ve received $25 or more.) Non-writing professionals with an interest in the field (such as illustrators, librarians, booksellers, producers, agents, editors, and teachers) can join at the Associate level without any publications. Check our Membership Rules to see which level you qualify for.

HWA also offers a Supporting Membership for non-professionals who would like to share and explore their interest in horror. Supporting members receive HWA’s monthly newsletter and our internet mailers, have the opportunity recommend works for the Bram Stoker Awards&#174, and the opportunity to be involved with HWA’s chapters, Mentor Program, and access to some of their favorite horror writers via a private message board.

How Can Joining HWA Help You?

Whether you’re an aspiring writer working toward your all-important first pro-level sale or a seasoned novelist with a dozen books to your credit, HWA can help further your career through networking, mentoring, information trading, and promotional resources. If you’re a producer, publisher, editor, or agent, you’ll find our networking resources invaluable for finding dedicated, productive writers to add to your stable. If you’re a librarian or bookseller, you’ll have an inside track on talented writers, hot new books, and likely award winners. And if you’re a fan, you’ll have access to the writers you love and will get to be an important part of the oldest and largest organization dedicated to horror.

Marketing and Promotion

Do editors care if you’re an HWA member? Here’s what Martin H. Greenberg, bestselling editor of over 100 anthologies and winner of the coveted Bram Stoker Lifetime Achievement Award has to say: “When I see that a writer is a member of HWA, I know he takes his work and his profession seriously.”

PROMOTIONAL RESOURCE LISTINGS
Members can access our regularly updated lists of complete contact information for libraries, bookstores, and reviewers as well as HWA’s directory of members—nearly a thousand names and addresses of dedicated horror readers, writers, and industry professionals.

BOOKEXPO APPEARANCES
Every year, HWA exhibits on the main floor of BookExpo America, the nation’s largest gathering of booksellers, librarians, and publishers. HWA members have the opportunity to promote their books at BookExpo by appearing at HWA’s booth and/or by supplying promotional materials that HWA will distribute at the event.

FREE WEB AND NEWSLETTER PUBLICITY
Members can place free notices about new publications on our site and in our member’s only monthly newsletter and twice-monthly Internet Mailers.

TIMELY MARKET REPORTS AND INDUSTRY NEWS
Each edition of HWA’s monthly HTML newsletter is packed with valuable horror publishing and market news, and includes a timely, comprehensive listing of horror, dark fantasy and related markets assembled exclusively for HWA by Kathryn Ptacek, editor and publisher of Gila Queen’s Guide to Markets. Between newsletters, members can access our online version of Kathryn’s horror market news in the Members Only area of HWA’s web site. Members also receive regular email bulletins offering market and industry news.

HWA MEMBERS-ONLY MARKETS
The “Horror Writers Association Presents” anthology series is open only to members. Our most recent books, the three-volume Blood Lite anthologies edited by Kevin J. Anderson, have attained bestseller status and paid royalties to those HWA members who were contributors. Our non-fiction book On Writing Horror, edited by Mort Castle, has become an accepted standard guide for writing in the horror genre.

Career Building

THE HWA MENTOR PROGRAM
We feel strongly that one of the best ways we can contribute to the health of the horror genre is by helping to educate beginning writers in the ins-and-outs of both the craft and the business of writing. Yet writing courses are expensive, never last long enough, and rarely deal with the practicalities of establishing a career in writing. For that reason, we’ve created the HWA Mentor Program. Participating professional horror writers are paired with Affiliate and Supporting members who wish to learn a little or a lot about everything from the craft of writing to the pitfalls of contract negotiations.

Networking

Michael A. Arnzen, author of the Bram-Stoker-Award-winning Grave Markings, notes, “Being a member of HWA is like attending the best professional conference all year round. Not only do you get to keep your fingertips on the quivering pulse of the horror writing biz, but you make plenty of important contacts — and perhaps more importantly, friends—as well.”

MEETINGS
The Horror Writers Association is represented at numerous events throughout the year, including genre conventions, book festivals, trade gatherings and local literary events. Plus, HWA holds an annual business meeting and Bram Stoker Awards&#174 Banquet which includes plenty of opportunities to meet and get acquainted with fellow writers, editors, agents, and publishers.

ONLINE RESOURCES
HWA’s award-winning web site is a well-known resource for Horror aficionados on the Internet. But members gain access to additional invaluable tools through the Members Only area of the site.

REGIONAL CHAPTERS
Regional HWA chapters meet for workshops, group readings and signings, special projects, and social functions. To reach one of our active chapters, look for the list here.

Charitable Work

SCHOLARSHIPS
HWA also works to expand appreciation of the genre and literature in general by promoting education. We’ve donated memberships to writing workshops, and worked with universities to provide genre experts as guest lecturers. We’re always looking for ways to expand our educational outreach.

LITERACY PROGRAMS
In the past, HWA has worked with literacy programs to provide books and guest authors at various events.

In Times of Trouble

There are times when writers must pull together to solve mutual problems or come to each other’s aid. HWA can be a friend to turn to when things get rough. Here’s how we can help.

HWA GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE
For the mediation or settlement of complaints arising from generalized unfair or unethical behavior on the part of individuals or organizations with whom HWA members regularly do business.

HARDSHIP LOANS
The writing life can be difficult. Established HWA members experiencing financial distress are eligible to apply for small safety net loans under this program.

Membership Requirements

SUPPORTING MEMBERS
Anyone with an interest in horror may join as a Supporting member. There are no requirements for this level.

AFFILIATE MEMBERS
Beginning horror writers with a demonstrated intention of establishing a professional writing career. Minimal publication is required, and only works of Horror or Dark Fantasy can be used as qualifying material.

Sell one short story of at least 500 words, for payment of at least $25.

Sell one non-fiction article, role-playing supplement, comic book script, computer gaming script, or theatrical play for payment of at least $50.

Sell one book-length manuscript (40,000 words or more) for payment in advances and/or royalties or earnings within two years of publication from self-published work of at least $200.

Sell a screenplay or an option on your existing screenplay for payment of at least $200.

Sell three poems for total payment of at least $15.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Non-writer professionals associated with the Horror and Dark Fantasy field, including but not limited to agents, artists, editors, packagers, producers, and publishers.

ACADEMIC MEMBERS
Individuals with an academic interest in the genre demonstrated through writing, research, or teaching done in a professional capacity.

ACTIVE MEMBERS
Professional writers of Horror and Dark Fantasy. There are a number of ways to qualify as an Active member. (Only works of Horror or Dark Fantasy can be used as qualifying materials.)

Sell three or more short stories, articles, or reviews totalling 7,500 words or more, for payment of at least 5¢ per word.

Sell one book-length manuscript for a minimum payment in advances and/or royalties or earnings within two years of publication from self-published work of at least $2,000.

Sell a 90-minute TV movie, or two 30-minute teleplays for at least WGA minimum rates.

Sell one theatrical film script for at least $5,000.

Sell three full-length comic book scripts at professional rates and/or with professional print-run and distribution levels.

Sell three 10,000 word Role-playing Game project or one 40,000 word project for a payment of at least 5 ¢ per word.

Sell a script for a computer game or a single work of interactive fiction intended for electronic media for at least $2,000.

Sell a computer game for a minimum payment of $2,000, regardless of length or memory usage, or create a piece of shareware or other work produced without payment in advance, with a paid circulation exceeding 1,000 copies.

Sell 10 poems at 25 ¢ per line or $5 each, or sell a poetry collection for an honorarium of at least $50.

Please note that sales may only be used to qualify for membership if payment has been received.

All applicants may be asked to provide documentation of their qualifying sale or sales to complete the application process. Documentation may include scans of a contract, proof of payment, written confirmation from a publisher, or similar items.

Dues

HWA’s memberships all of which include the basic benefits mentioned above.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS
Dues for individual Affiliate, Associate, Academic, and Active members are $69.00 per year; members joining at these levels receive one listing in the directory and one userID for access to HWA’s Members Only website. Dues for Supporting members are $48.00 per year; Supporting members receive one userID for limited access to HWA’s Members Only website.

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIPS
Corporate members receive one Directory entry (status is automatically “Associate”) and up to 10 userIDs for access to HWA’s Members Only website. All official street mail is sent to a single specified address. Dues for businesses are $115.00 per year.

FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS
Family membership holders (up to three members of a family, whose status will vary according to their individual qualifications) each receive separate listings in the Directory and separate userIDs for access to the HWA Members Only website. All official street mail is sent to a single specified address. Dues for families are $89.00 per year.

HWA’s dues year is the same as the calendar year, running from January 1 through December 31. If you join between March 31st and November 30, your dues will be prorated by a specific amount, depending on the date of your application. However, prorating applies only to individuals, businesses, and families who have not been members of HWA at any time in the previous two years.

Applying for HWA Membership

To apply for membership, simply move to the Application area of our web site.

16 Responses to “Joining the HWA”

Interested in getting a trilogy published (see website). Would like to talk with other authors and get more information in accomplishing this goal.
Have 1st part of trilogy written (now in 3rd and final draft) and half of the 2nd part of the trilogy finished (1st draft).
Would like to join HWA and learn more about the craft.

i just started tghis new website because i love love LOVEEE scary books the first scary book i have read was called THE PET SEMATARY it was very interesting and I would abosuletly love to read some of your books. Thank you very much.

Hey, Kenisha. If you love scary stories, I’ve personally published some over sixteen times in some popular writer fiction magazines, and have out a story book collection called D E A D Ringer Published and Unpublished tales of Science fiction and Horror, by yours truly, A. Martin 😉 This books is available on Lulu.com, Amazon.com and Amazon.uk and on Waterstones.com for sale.

Just type in:

D E A D Ringer by a. martin

in any search-bar and more details about it should pop up / where to buy. If you do decide to give my book a try—lemme know watcha thought of it!

I’m still in high and this is my senior year, but I absolutely adored scary stories especially terrified ones and well I’m very interested in becoming a writer and I’m not sure if it’s possible to write and publish a scary stories before I finish high school. I need help!

I’m an author of Dark Fantasy stories who is just getting into the field. I would like to join but have yet to sell any of my stories to qualify for the Affiliate level. Would it benefit me to go ahead and join as a supporting member or should I hold out and wait until I can become an Affiliate member?

I am an indie writer who is self published. I have several horror Ebooks and two POD paperbacks. To date I have sold several hundred books. I also have a publishing service and have published a few dozen books as PODs for others. Do I qualify for membership?

GHOULS-the ghoul is linked with both the vampire and the werewolf in the traditional folklore of the frightening but there are a number of somewhat different entities that are included in the category of ghoul there is the ghoul that like the vampire is a member of the unrelenting family of the undead continually on the nocturnal prowl for new victims unlike the vampire however this ghoul feasts upon the flesh of the deceased tearing their corpes from cemeteries and morgues the ghoul more common to the waking world is that of the mentally unbalanced individual who engages in perhaps the most disgusting of aberrations necrophagia eating or otherwise desecrating the flesh of deceased humans yet a third type of ghoul would be those creatures of Arabic folklore the GHUL male and GHULAH-female demonic jinns that hover near burial grounds and sustain themselves on human flesh stolen from graves Sergeant Bertrand the infamous werewolf of Paris is literally an all purpose monster for rather than ripping and slashing the living he suffered from the necrophiliac perversion of mutilating and sexually abusing the dead R.E.L-masters and Eduard Lea tell of a similar necrophiliac the ghoul Ardisson who exhumed the corpses of female ranging in age from three to eighty on one occasion he removed a womans head from its body and took it home with him to be his bride it is quite easy to envision how the legend of the ghoul began in ancient times when graves were shallow and very often subject to the desecrations of wild animals seeking carrion later as funeral customs became more elaborate and men and women were buried with their jewelry and other personal treasures the lure of easy wealth circumvented any superstitions or ecclesiastical admonitions that might have otherwise kept grave robbers away from cemeteries and disturbing the corpses final rest then in the late 1820s surgeons and doctors began to discover the value of dissection the infant science of surgery was progressing rapidly but advancement required cadavers and the more cadavers that were supplied the more the doctors realized how little they knew and thus the more cadavers they needed as a result societies of grave robbers were formed called the Resurrectionists these men did their utmost to be certain that the corpses finding their way to the dissecting tables were as fresh as possible and besides digging was easier in unsettled dirt ghoulish practices continue well into our own times jilted lover Michael Schinkel of Herald California was so obsessed with his girlfriend Sandra Lee Crane that he stabbed her to death in September 1986 and placed her body in a freezer for the next five years until the corpse was accidentally discovered by a landlord Schinkel kept the body with him wherever he moved he even continued to cherish the mummified corpse after he was married in 1994 in Rochester New York Jeffrey Watkins then twenty-four a self-proclaimed sorcerer who named himself the Grinch was found guilty of nineteen charges of stealing corpses digging up graves and vandalizing mausoleums Watkins slept in coffins with corpses desecrated cemeteries and kept a human skull at his bedside he explained to police that he felt safe with the dead because he could trust them he needed their company to enable him to feel peaceful inside

I’m an indie writer who has sold many thousands of books under the name Suzanne Tyrpak, including a short collection of flash fiction horror stories, Ghost Plane and Other Disturbing Tales. My writing has earned me a modest sum of about $25,000.00

I’m about to release a satiric horror novel entitled, Sadie the Sadist, under the name Zané Sachs. Having had a blast writing Sadie, I plan to write other stories in this vein. I call it X-tremely Black Humor.

I am interested in a membership to HWA. I am an indie author with a e-novella and a e-novel I self published on Amazon. The novel will be converted into a physical book soon. I am having trouble getting reviews. It seems no one is interested in reviewing horror. My book I’m sure is not as horror-filled as some, but a few reviews will be greatly appreciated. My first publication date was 2012, so I have not been in the horror arena very long. Would like some direction.

Hello,
My name is Phillip Owens. I have been writing short stories since I was 13-years-old in 1969. I was laid up with a badly broken right leg and ankle and to while away the time, I began writing. I have always written horror with a few murder mysteries along the way. I also have 2 completed novels, both of which were e-published through Barnes & Noble in 2011. My first novel was started in the late 1970s and has undergone several rewrites. The second novel has also been rewritten several times to get it to its present state. I would like to get an agent if possible. In the meantime, I am now working on a 3rd novel. With all this said, I would like representation and direction from an agent. Thank you.

I have published six books (horror shorts) via the feedaread which are available on amazon and other sites under the name of J A Peto. I won the body in the library lewisham library contest in around 2005ish and i have over a hundred poems (mostly horror) on you tube. As of yet, i am to make any money (only earned around 12 pounds.) does this make me eligible? and if not, how long do i have to wait? thanks
Julie